Friday, May 30, 2008

As if the prospect of seeing Nacho tomorrow, our favorite Argentine Polo player werent enough to get our juices going for the weekend we now find ourselves ferklempt with news of a GUCCI PRESALE!

The official Gucci sale will begin on June 2, 2008 however the Gucci online presale is on now!!!! Just visit the presale website at Gucci online presaleto snag items from the Spring Summer 2008 collection at sale prices in advance of the sale. There are some absolutely gorgeous handbags, shoes and accessories to purchase.

Do you ever wake up in the morning and say "tomorrow is the day I will watch Nacho play his flawless game of polo at Governors Island, NY." Yes, we can totally relate. Our compadres at Veuve Clicquot apparently feel the same way and have been waiting for 70 years since the last polo match was played in NYC. Ralph Lauren's team, Blackwatch (including Nacho Figueras), is playing against Asprey team.

Veuve Clicquot champagne bar will be open field-side during the event and picnics are allowed and encouraged. Free ferries run from Manhattan to Gov Island every 30 minutes. Family friendly!

You will find us near the field Veuve in hand, swooning, over the polo horses, NOT!

Thursday, May 29, 2008

Once a year, the Manhattan grid comes into astronomical alignment with the sun, and city dwellers are treated to a sunset that lines up with crosstown streets. We suggest a sidewalk picnic, some discreet open containers and a few fond gazes directed toward New Jersey.

May 30, sunset at 8:16pm; best viewing is at 14th, 23rd, 34th, 42nd and 57th, as far East as possible

You've had wine with backbone, wine that’s earthy, even wine with "good legs." "Well-traveled" isn't an adjective that comes to mind in matters of the vine, but we submit that the traditional lexicon may need some expanding.

Casa Lapostolle combines the superb wine terrain of Chile with the wine know-how of France. Founded by the Marnier Lapostolle family (yes, that Marnier Lapostolle family, producers of tasty French liqueur Grand Marnier, as well as other great French wines), the label set up camp in Chile because of its perfect vine-growing climate. Casa Lapostolle's vines are unique to Chile in that many of them were actually brought over from France in the last century—so it's almost like they've got dual citizenship.

As a result, Casa's wines reach levels of jovial sophistication that only wines from such a multicultural fusion could, from their smart Sauvignon Blancs and Chardonnays, to their sassy Cabernets, Merlots and Syrahs. The venerable Wine Spectator even named Casa's 2005 Clos Apalta one of its "Hot Wines," awarding it 96 out of 100 points and describing it as having "gorgeous aromas, great grip and density."

Saturday, May 24, 2008

One of the many important fashion lessons Sex And The City taught us is that you are only as fabulous as the bag on your arm. Back in the gold old days when the show ruled our Sunday nights, Fendi bags (and baguettes), abounded ("I’m gonna be a bag lady, a Fendi bag lady, but still a bag lady” - Carrie). An endless array of Christian Dior purses also helped Carrie through some trying times, while Samantha taught us that the Hermès Birkin Bag is the ultimate symbol of status. For the film, a new handbag designer is being thrown into the mix, Nancy Gonzalez, whose luxurious croc handbags were at the top of stylistPatricia Field’s list for accessories. Both Cynthia Nixon and Kim Cattrall are seen carrying Nancy Gonzalez in the flick, as well as a new character, Kim’s little pooch, who was accessorized in a one of a kind matching Nancy Gonzalez collar and leash! Nancy Gonzalez handbags will be at the top of everyone’s wishlist post-premiere, so get yours now! Click SEE SLIDESHOW for the best the Hive has to offer.

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Its that time of year again. Time to report on the best new outdoor bars!

Summer, summer, summertime! Well, not quite yet, but with a slew of outdoor spots suddenly making their debuts, it sure feels like it. Get out with the in-crowd at these haute new bars ready to lube you up and help you maintain that spray tan you insisted on getting to cure your cabin fever.

Is Midtown the new downtown? With a new rooftop lounge in Times Square, this is one attraction the tourists will have a hard time getting into. Expect top DJs and a hot, modelicious crowd at Eden, part of the makeover of the massive, 24-year-old China Club (now known as Opera). The launch party for Eden on May 22 kicks off JoonBug’s after-work St. Tropez Thursdays, from 5 to 10 p.m. every week. Half the lounge is a rooftop deck with two giant trees sprouting through the roof, and the other half is indoors for those non-summery days.

Party like a Shanghai socialite high above the spires of the Manhattan skyline at Salon de Ning. This sexy new incarnation of The Peninsula Hotel’s 23rd floor rooftop bar—the glass and beige Pen-Top was a magnet for gray-haired execs—simmers with Eastern accents inspired by 1930’s jet-setter Madame Ning. Moroccan lanterns, Chinese daybeds, and Venetian mirrors set the tone for yet another overpriced outdoor cocktail experience. So be careful not to spill your $20-plus drink over the terrace while peering down into the MOMA Sculpture Garden.

Even though you live in NYC, make like a tourist and book a room at the Empire Hotel just to take advantage of the private, guest-only roof deck that just opened. The place has it all. Cool off and stay warm at the same time in the deck's heated pool, or lounge poolside in a private cabana outfitted with plasma TVs, internet, and mini fridges. Soon to come is a menu from the hotel's restaurant by Jeffrey Chodorow, making it that much harder to leave and return to your humble dwelling.

Brooklyn's two-year-old nightclub Studio B has grown out of its shell. Hard to do when you are a 9,000-square-foot space, but they’ve done it with a new rooftop level. With its own bar and sound system, expect the same level of boomtastic partying the club is known for. Over 40 palm trees and a retractable roof complete the package and give a nod to the original Studio A in Miami. Raise the roof, yo.

Twelve kinds of beer are on tap at what is sure to be this season's go-to beer garden (hooray—no long train rides to Astoria). Franklin Park, once a giant garage, also serves up a large list of bottled beers for those of you who prefer to suckle. The backyard vibe is enhanced by the picnic-style seating and outdoor BBQ serving meat and fire-roasted marshmallows—it’s like summer camp, minus the stupid songs and ghost stories.

This Hell’s Kitchen high-rise makes its debut on May 20, and with all of the hype, we predict it won’t be long before its white leather banquettes turn tarnished cigarette beige. Panoramic views of the Hudson give way to urban chic decor of daybeds, bamboo cabanas, movie screens, and, as a bold f-you to global warming, outdoor AC. Get to Highbar soon before it’s cool-factor slips to the endangered species list.

Just in time for Brass Monkey's new summer menu comes a brand new roof deck. One of the Meatpacking District's O.G.s, Brass Monkey already keeps the house packed without opening a window, so expect the deck to impress. Overlooking the Hudson River, the place will not just offer amazing views, but also a long list of beers. Think beer garden but with penthouse views.

Friday, May 16, 2008

Launched by Nina Garcia, Project Runway judge and fashion guru, along with Step Up Women's Network and Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals, the contest gives aspiring designers the chance to put their talent to the test.

"The design challenge we're posing is a fashion transformation unlike any other," said Garcia. "We're taking an iconic accessory-the birth control case-and asking aspiring designers to take a shot at redesigning it into a chic, more sophisticated carrying case that they could slip into their purses."

Design submissions will be accepted until June 30, 2008. On behalf of Garcia, Step Up Women's Network, and Bayer HealthCare, one lucky winner will receive a $10,000 prize to invest in his or her career dreams, via enrollment in design classes or for the purchase of special design materials and software. The contest winners will be announced around the time of Fashion Week in fall 2008.

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

If you were on the fence, debating the merits of a quick trip to South Beach to slam some mojitos and imbibe some Cubano culture...well waffle no more. Spirit airlines is offering some loco fares sure to lift your Latina spirit (38 buck round trip!!). NOW BOARDING ALL ROWS!!!!!

Get your best legs ever with a free Latin Dance workout to help sculpt and tone your legs for summer. Glamour magazine and Nair are getting together to host the event that will get you on your way to your loveliest legs yet. The workout includes simple Latin Dance moves along with cardiovascular exercise. Just for trying the workout you’ll also get a free gift from Glamour, a sample from Nair and a gym pass from the Printing House Squash and Fitness Club. What better way to kick off the summer?

Monday, May 12, 2008

OK, time for a guilty admission, but just amongst my online confidants. Like an urban sophisticate, I outwardly abhor the artless and unrefined tourists who flock to the city, crowding the subways, clogging the sidewalks, and taking up valuable real estate at top tier restaurants (why oh why can't they stick to Ruby Foo's and leave the Gramercy Tavern to me and my hermanas?).

A "Sex and the City" micro-site www.mbusa.com/sexandthecityfeatures a tour of Big Apple hotspots that the stars hit during the movie. The site will also offer photos, video clips from the film, downloadable content and behind-the-scenes shots of the recreation of Fashion Week in Bryant Park.

Friday, May 9, 2008

LA FIESTA DEL CHIVO(Luis Llosa, 2007)Based on the best-selling novel by Mario Vargas Llosa, LA FIESTA DEL CHIVO is the story of Urania Cabral (Isabella Rossellini). An independent Manhattan lawyer, she returns to the Dominican Republic after thirty years to face her past, the memory of Rafael Leónidas Trujillo a.k.a "El Chivo" (The Goat), the dictator who ruled the island paradise with an iron fist.

A lively alternative to a conventional Mother's Day brunch, this Latin American spot serves fiery twists on brunch classics. Chocolate banana macadamia pancakes are enriched with a dulce de leche sauce, while the "Latin Benedict" features Serrano ham with a chipotle-flecked hollandaise sauce. Plantains, beans & rice, and corn arepas complete the tasty ensemble.

This super smoking hot deal was a huge hit the last time we featured it, but it sold out quick. Don't miss your chance this time around.Online fitness and green living superstore Gaiam.com is offering up a grab bag of 5 fitness products-- with a combined retail value of $81-- for a mere $6.99. That a whopping 91% savings off of retail price. The trick is that you don't know what you are going to get, but I think that's actually kind of fun. Don't worry, a quick look around the Gaiam.com site will assure you that Gaiam doesn't stock crap. You are going to get quality fitness merchandise. Your grab bag may include fitness items in the categories of pilates, lower-body work, toning and cardio. Specific items say include DVDs, fitness props, and books. Kit includes 5 products which are subject to change.

Monday, May 5, 2008

This Friday at La Zarza (166 First Avenue, 212-477-1111), the sexy candle-lit Spanish restaurant in the East Village, marks the debut of Flamenco nights, featuring Flamenco guitarists Hernan Romero and Pancho Navarro with shows from Flamenco dancers Imma Heredia and Gabriel Riesco-Bulerias. To honor the Flamenco, a seasonal sangria menu will be served alongside the regular menu of Spanish and Argentine fare. Flamenco will be performed on Friday and Saturday nights from 8 pm to 11 pm.

Thursday, May 1, 2008

The MacBook Air is Apple's latest laptop. A sexy, high tech tool and the perfect accessory for a urban Latina on the move or just kickin' it on the Web. And why, you may ask, are the ladies of CN now also the doyennes of Apple technology? Simple of course. Our very own Elizabeth Mateo had the chance to test drive some of these cutting edge products. See her fabulous review on CNNMoney.com and Apple.com Who else but Liz could tell the world that she has "lust for a laptop." Pure Latina sass for all the world to read!